Machine Tool Technician
Technical Diploma
56 Credits | 1.5 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
Superior
Spring Start
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines and grinders to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. Machinists use their knowledge of the properties of metals and machine tools to plan and carry out the operations necessary to make precise specification machined products.
Program Overview
The two-year Machine Tool Technician program at Northwood Tech will prepare you to operate and set up machine tools for the machining industry. You will learn general machining skills based on the skills and knowledge identified by the Metalworking Industry Skill Standards Board. You will gain skills in production planning, quality control, metallurgical processes, precision measuring, using an engineer's handbook and interpreting prints. Computer-aided machining and programming techniques are emphasized. New program start every January.
Program Outcomes
Machine Tool Technician graduates will be able to:
- Apply basic safety practices in the machine shop
- Interpret industrial/engineering drawings
- Apply precision measuring methods to part inspection
- Perform basic machine tool equipment set up and operation
- Perform programming, set up, and operation of CNC machine tools
- Perform advanced CNC machining operations
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Becoming a machinist is a hands-on learning experience. You will be able to create projects as you learn the trade. In becoming a machinist, you will learn a high skilled trade that requires precision and attention to detail. Being able to program CNC equipment will make you a sought after employment candidate for area employers.
Learn by doing.
Highly skilled.
Current technology.
Academics
Machine Tool Technician is offered on the Superior campus. Classes are in-person. Machine Tool Technician is scheduled over 1.5 years, including the summer term.
Experienced Instructors
As a Machine Tool Technician student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of machining experience in a variety of industries.
Career Pathways
Earn credentials every step of the way. The Machine Tool Technician two-year technical diploma includes an embedded Machine Tool Operation technical diploma that you will earn after just two semesters into the program.
Hands-on Learning
The majority of the laboratory projects are hands on. After learning the theory, you'll put what you learned to practice in the machine tool lab.
Required Courses
Program-specific courses include CAD/CAM Applications, CNC Programming - Turning, Machine Tool Operation 1 and more.
Featured Machine Tool Technician Courses
Machine Tool Technician is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Machine Tool Technician student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn your bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Machine Tool Technician
56 Credits | 1.5 Years
$11,219
Plus $1,400 for tools, supplies and uniforms
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Machine Tool Technician Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in Machine Tool Operation and Machine Tool Technician.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
